SOLANO COUNTY / Officers Seek Ways To Mourn Canine Cop

Published 4:00 am, Saturday, August 2, 1997

Vallejo -- Following the death of Rondo, the police dog who was fatally stabbed in the line of duty, Vallejo officers wore black ribbons and lowered their station's flag to half-staff.

But a captain has ordered the ribbons removed and the flag raised.

Rondo, a German shepherd with the force 4 1/2 years, died after a hit-and-run suspect stabbed him three times in the shoulder and chest Tuesday night.

Officers wanted to mourn the dog's death with ribbons and the lowered flag. Police Captain Tom Hauser said the gestures are appropriate for dead dignitaries and officers, but not police dogs.

Hauser said, however, that officers will be allowed to wear a black strip over their badges -- a traditional symbol of mourning among police -- on the day of Rondo's memorial service. A date for the service is pending.

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